I ended 2018 with a big fall and a broken nose and lots of bruising. Yep. I go for surgery this coming week and could sure use some prayers that all goes well.
Actually, I have faith that the good Lord will make sure things go well. He has been so trustworthy and a true source of comfort to me in times past, as well as now.
What in the world does 2019 hold? Not only for me but for you and the world? I have written extensively on this blog about how we are in the last hour of the last days and that Jesus could return at any time for the Rapture of the true believers to heaven. Go to the Search Box at the top right hand side of this page and type in "Rapture", or "end times" (and so on) and several posts will pop up for you to view.
It would be wise to read all of Matthew 24, Mark 13, and Luke 21 in your Bible to ponder over the signs of the end times. We are there now, friends! We need to be living godly lives, wholly surrendered to the Lord. Then when Jesus returns He will be able to say, "Well done, good and faithful servant....." (Matthew 25:23a). If the Lord can say that of you, you need not fear what the future holds, if you are a born again believer in the Savior, Jesus Christ.
We should be living lives that bring glory to God. Trust in God and His care regardless of circumstances. That is strong faith. That is the way to please God.
"But without faith it is impossible to please Him: for he that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him." - Hebrews 11:6
So what do we do while we wait for the Lord's return? Be busy witnessing to others about Jesus and the Gospel. Time is short and we want to be active in the Great Commission !
"Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world." Jesus speaking at Matthew 28:19-20.
The above empowering words of Jesus are also very reassuring, for He came to earth to be "God with us."
What does 2019 hold for us? The world is in chaos right now and full of evil and violence and immorality. We could see more of that and on a much worse level. But we could also experience our deliverance in the Rapture of the Church. No, I am not date-setting. Only God knows when that time is when true believers are taken by Jesus to heaven. But the Bible gave us signs to watch for so that we would know the time is near........ it is near, folks!
Here are some words of Jesus from Luke 21:25-28: "(25) "And there shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring; (26) Men's hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken. (27) And then shall they see the Son of man coming in a cloud with power and great glory. (28) And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh."
So do not be depressed and full of fear and dread over all the terrible things that are happening now. Instead, realize we will soon be with the Lord and rejoice over that fact. Have faith and hope and trust in God; live for Jesus. You will be okay. You will be with the Lord forever, if you have accepted Jesus as your Savior and have been born again.
Be often in prayer and daily read God's Holy Word. You will then draw closer to the good Lord and He will draw closer to you. You will find you will build a close, intimate, personal, love relationship with God through Jesus, His Son. You will find strength to endure and He will give you a purpose and a hope.
Keep looking up!
"I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in His Word do I hope." - Psalm 130:5
"Only fear the LORD and serve Him in truth with all your heart: for consider how great things He hath done for you." - 1 Samuel 12:24